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Location: United States

Member Since: June 07, 2013

Melissa A. Giles

Smashwords book reviews by Melissa A. Giles

The Lost Dragon (The Dragon Hunters #1) on July 01, 2013

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I must admit that this introduction into the world of The Dragon Hunters Series had my attention just from the concept alone. The book promised to deliver a tale full of action, creatures of fantasy, gods of myth, and mystical mayhem. And from page one until the last word written, I was not let down. Through the story of Andreas, we are introduced into a world hidden within our own and a few places that humanity has long forgotten or may not have ever known existed. The characters are engaging and worth spending the time to get to know. Some of the fight scenes may have you feeling the pain right alongside of our heroes. I found myself getting some strange looks as I could not keep from making the occasional … “geez,” “oh,” and “that had to hurt” comments aloud. I am purposefully leaving out anything that may be spoilers because I would not want to ruin the adventure for everyone. The Lost Dragon is definitely a book that I feel comfortable in recommending to any open-minded readers who are seeking to escape into a well-paced novel that leaves one both satisfied and wanting more by the stories end.
The Dragon Witch (The Dragon Hunters #2) on July 07, 2013

The War of the Gods Has Begun I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. In this installment of the continuation of The Dragon Hunters Series, the Titan Cronus has found the help he needed to regain his foothold in existence. Seeking the throne of Olympus and the reign he lost eons ago to his son Zeus. Aided by Lucifer, who is fueled by own desires for further power, this former God King sets out on a course to awaken his fellow titans and seek his revenge. Caring little about who may try to stop him. But, there are those who know he must be stopped and they are willing to give him a fight worthy of making his last defeat seem like a pleasant stroll through the park. The Olympian Gods have joined forces with the Dragon Gods and all of their respective progeny to save all of existence. The battles ahead promise to be epic… The story is fast-paced and action-packed as we start up again in the lives of the characters we came to know in our introduction in the series, The Lost Dragon. Almost the major players are back for round two as well as a few new ones. There are new realms to explore as the reader is shown even more of the world these powerful beings rule. Again, I was left wishing for more time to visit and see these places, both the good and the bad, but there’s always more opportunities to do just that in the next books. I, like the Dragon God Jarel, missed the sarcastic wit and amazing fighting skills of the phoenix Vic in this tale. Seriously crossing fingers that his character returns for the third book, he is just so well written and the interactions with his comrades are highly entertaining. Though that being said, this book didn’t lack for its share of wit and sarcasm… thanks to Ares (another of my favs). This book had a level of intensity, of edge that the first novel did not quite have. The stakes are higher. The battles are bigger. The emotions are taut and an undercurrent of angst fills many of the scenes. Yet, still within the chaos and the danger there is still chances for love and hopes for happiness in the future. You truly feel along with the characters that you are building up for something that even if in the end is won, the price paid could be great. Even though this book is supposed to be Victoria’s story, it truly is an ensemble piece. And it works well that way. But of course I wanted more time with Victoria. Who wouldn’t want to have more scenes with a shaped-shifting daughter of a dragon god and the goddess of magic. I would happily read an entire series based on each of the Damone family members. I don’t wish to go enter too much more detail because I would hate to spoil the ride for everyone else, but I will say that for some of the more sentimental and sensitive readers out there you may want to have a box of tissues handy as you near the end. Would definitely recommend this series to all open-minded readers who like their adventure to be served with a mystical twist.
Fatal Healing (The Dragon Hunters #3) on July 08, 2013

The Bigger They Come, The Harder They Fall? … Or, the easier it is for them to squash you into a sticky paste? These are just a few of the many things to consider when you are at war with the titans. The battles for control of existence continue in the third installment of The Dragon Hunters Series. The forces against our heroes are growing in both numbers and boldness as both sides plot and plan for victory. Lucifer has made his way into the mortal realm, the Titans have risen, and Cronus is on the offensive. Now is not exactly the greatest time to be one of the good guys. But all who have fallen for this series as this reader has know that if there is one thing to never forget about dragons is the trait of loyalty. Whether it be to a mate, family, or their destined duties. Therefore, if Cronus wants a war, he is sure to get one on the level he has never known. Though shorter than the previous books, this one still packs a punch. With more action than you think could be fit in while still finding time for moments of humor, the growing chance for new loves, and the true fulfillment of a love interrupted. My only complaint, if one could call it that, is that I wanted more time with the characters. It felt like it was just a span of minutes from the first sentence to the final word. But, there is just as much a compliment in this statement. This book just sucks you in and all else is lost until you finish. The ending leaves you completely craving more. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Black Heart on July 22, 2013

Don’t Go Taking My Heart 3.5 Stars This gave a neat little spin on the paranormal romance genre for me. I have always enjoyed the idea of a vampire and werewolf pairing, and this couple made an interesting fit. And the humorous portrayal of the characters left me wishing that there had been more time to get to know them. I really wanted to see just how a compulsively clean vampire and a hurricane of disastrous fun werewolf could truly make their life together work. The brother is a hoot as well. If this becomes a series, I really hope we get to explore all three of those characters with added depth and learn more about the societal setup in the author's take on this co-mingled world. The concept is intriguing, though I must admit it taking some getting used to the idea of a human being able to overpower a supernatural creature. However, once I let that stereotype go and just decided to enjoy the ride it was rather a fun little read. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*